The result of converting cups to pounds is sometimes an estimate because two different things are being measured. Cups measure volume, while pounds measure weight. Pasta comes in many shapes and sizes so the conversion differs, depending on the type of pasta being used.

Small- and medium-sized pasta shapes, such as macaroni, penne, rigatoni and bow ties, and long pasta shapes like spaghetti or fettuccine usually yield about 4 cups cooked to every 8 ounces dry pasta.